So far it’s been the deal that never was.
But with Manchester United losing Angel di Maria over the last week, perhaps there is now some substance to the idea of Nicolas Gaitan moving to Old Trafford this summer.
Because Manchester United need pace and creativity and this guy certainly has those qualities in abundance.
Portuguese news outlet, A Bola, states today (via Sky Sports):
Manchester United are closing in on a move for Benfica midfielder Nico Gaitan, says A Bola.
The Portuguese newspaper claims United boss Louis van Gaal is a huge admirer of the 27-year-old.
And United are set to finalise a £28m (39.5m Euros) deal for Gaitan by the end of this week.
At 27 years of age the left winger has had a decent career without ever reaching the potential that many felt he was capable of.
He came through the academy at Boca Juniors and had two excellent seasons in the seniors before moving to Benfica in 2010.
There he has been pretty much an ever present, scoring 30 goals in 216 appearances.
He is more of a provider than a predator but he is very artistic and elegant and has good pace and a great final ball.
Our main concern is whether, like Di Maria, he might take a long time to settle into the physical side of the game. Will he get pushed off the ball too easily? And will he deliver regularly enough?
According to the report, Louis van Gaal obvious thinks that Gaitan can do a job for Manchester United.
Let’s see the lad in action.
Manchester United fans: does he boil your potatoes?
Allan Stuart Smith
Aug 11, 2015 at 8:28 pm
Gaitan is nowhere near the quality of Pedro, that is the direction we need, he has none of the skills we need, just pace, and correctly so will be too weak for our league, too many Portugese League players have failed to impress, time to forget till a good one comes along, wonder why nobody else has made an offer for him???